Cronulla Sharks confirm Coffs Harbour for 2024 NRL Gold Coast Titans match

The Cronulla Sharks are circling for another bite at Coffs Harbour as they and other national sports franchises look to build their presence in the regional city. Read why.

Connor Tracey of the Sharks celebrates with his teammates after scoring a try during the round 12 NRL match between Cronulla and Newcastle at Coffs Harbour International Stadium on May 20, 2023. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

To mangle a line from the original Jaws movie, we’re going to need a bigger stadium.

That’s because the Cronulla Sharks have revealed plans to return to Coffs Harbour for the fourth consecutive year.

The National Rugby League (NRL) draw for season 2024 was released on Monday, and the Sharks will host the Gold Coast Titans at the C.ex International Stadium on Friday, July 5.

This year the Sharks home-away-from-home game at Coffs was sold out – while player visits to local schools created near pandemonium for excited students.

Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos is revelling in the sports spotlight shining on the city.

Mayor Paul Amos said the South Coffs sports precinct facilities position the city to attract major events. Picture: Chris Knight

“It shows the city has made itself a go-to regional destination for top sporting fixtures,” he said.

“We can credit this to the wonderful facilities at the stadium, and to everyone involved with bringing together these events.”

Steve Smith celebrates a century during the men's Big Bash League match between the Sydney Sixers and the Adelaide Strikers at Coffs on January 17, 2023. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

The Sharks aren’t the only national sport franchise working to establish a base in Coffs.

The Sydney Sixers have also been regular visitors, and will bring a Big Bash game to the stadium on January 3 against the Brisbane Heat.

Cronulla Sharks NRL players Jesse Ramienis mobbed during a visit to Mary Help of Christians Primary School at Coffs Harbour. Picture: Chris Knight

A-League side the Newcastle Jets have also pounced on the opportunity of playing matches on the Coffs Coast, while the stadium precinct including the in-demand new synthetic fields has been a hit with regional football and state touch tournaments.

The Sutherland Shire-based Sharks insist the value in its annual road trip to Coffs stretches far beyond match day.

The new Coffs synthetic fields have been in hot demand. Picture: Chris Knight

“The Sharks are very much looking forward to again making Coffs Harbour our home away from home and building on the success of the previous three years by playing a home game in the region,” CEO Dino Mezzatesta said.

“Taking a game to Coffs for a fourth consecutive season isn’t all about match day, it’s a chance to engage with the community.

Tickets to this year’s Sharks game at Coffs were quickly snapped up.

“We have experienced great local support, our fans embrace the opportunity to travel to the region and we know that connection with the Coffs Coast community will continue to grow into 2024.”

Local leagues can ensure they get a ticket to the Coffs NRL clash by jumping on a new offering – a ‘Coffs Coast country and interstate membership’.

For $135 that secures a ticket to the Sharks v Titans clash, as well as two general admission tickets to a Cronulla home game at PointsBet Stadium. See details here.